Forehead Lift

We would like to provide some basic information about forehead lift procedures. However, the best way to get complete answers to specific questions is to have a personal consultation with one of our board-certified plastic surgeons. Please call (800)505-3627 for a consultation. Office hours are Mon., Wed. and Fri. from 1:30-5PM.

While no one is immune to the effects of aging, a forehead lift, also known as a browlift, can minimize some of the most visible signs; drooping eyebrows, 'hooding" over the eyes, forehead furrows and frown lines that come with age

In a forehead lift, the muscles and skin that cause the problems are removed or altered to smooth the forehead, raise the upper eyelids and minimize frown lines. The result provides a more alert, animated, and youthful appearance. Recent advances in plastic surgery have made the forehead lift a relatively simple procedure with results that last from five to 10 years or longer. It can be done alone, or in conjunction with other procedures, such as facelift, eyelid surgery, or nose reshaping.

The best candidates for foreheadlift

All surgery carries some uncertainties and risk

The Consultation

Preparing for your surgery

The surgery

After your surgery

Getting back to normal

Your new look

The best candidates for forehead lift
Men and women of any age may be good candidates for a forehead lift. While the procedure is most commonly done on people in their forties to sixties to slow the visible effects of aging, it can also help people with inherited conditions, such as a droopy brow or furrowed lines above the nose.

To see how a forehead lift might change your appearance, stand in front of a mirror and place the palms of your hands at the outer edges of your eyes, above your eyebrows. Then gently draw the skin upward to raise the brow and forehead area. That is approximately what a forehead lift would do for you.

All surgery carries some uncertainties and risk
A forehead lift is relatively straightforward. Our surgeons have many years of experience in the procedure and seldom have any complications. But as with any operation, there are risks associated with surgery.

One of the most important parts of your consultation is the discussion that you and the physician have regarding complications. By carefully following our advice and instructions both before and after surgery you can do your part to minimize the risks.

The Consultation
A personal consultation is the first step for every patient considering correction of gynecomastia. During this meeting, one of our board-certified plastic surgeons will assess your physical and emotional health and discuss your specific goals for surgery.

You should arrive at the consultation prepared to provide complete information about:

• Previous surgeries
• Past and present medical conditions
• Medications that you are taking, including Aspirin, nutritional supplements, steroids, and herbal remedies.
• Allergies
• Smoking history, if any

The doctor will also evaluate your face, including the skin and skeletal structure. Suggestions may be given for other procedures that are can be performed along with or instead of a forehead lift. Botox although not a permanent fix can be injected into the creases to diminish and soften the wrinkles. Some patients have Botox injections to get an idea of what the permanent look of a forehead lift will be. Procedures that can be done along with a forehead lift to give an overall facial rejuvenation are:

• Eyelid surgery, to eliminate puffy eyelids
• Facelift, to eliminate jowls and sagging neck skin
• Skin treatments, such as laser resurfacing to minimize wrinkles.
• Don't hesitate to ask members of our medical team any question you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.

Be sure to ask about limited incision endoscopic browlift…an exciting new method of limiting scalp incisions.

Preparing for your surgery
When the date for your procedure has been set, we will provide you with specific instructions for the days immediately before and after surgery. A number of points may be covered, including:

• Avoiding certain medications that may complicate surgery or recovery. Such as Aspirin, and Aspirin type products, Vitamin E and Gingko
• Stopping smoking for a period of time (2 weeks) before and after surgery
• Arranging for help and special care following surgery

The Surgery
The surgical team begins by tying your hair with rubber bands in front of and behind the incision area. Your head will not be shaved, although hair immediately in front of the incision line may need to be trimmed.

For most patients, the incision will start at about the level of your ears and run across the top of your forehead. If you have a high or receding hairline, your surgeon may make the incision just at your hairline to avoid making your forehead appear even higher. By wearing your hair down on your forehead, most such scars become relatively inconspicuous. If you are bald or balding, your surgeon may recommend a mid-scalp incision so the resulting scar follows the natural junction of two bones in your skull.

Forehead skin is then carefully lifted so portions of muscle and excess tissue can be removed. Any excess skin at the point of incision will also be removed. The surgeon will close the incision with stitches or clips. Your face and hair will be washed to prevent irritation and the rubber bands will be removed from your hair. The incision may be covered with a gauze padding and your head may be wrapped with an elastic bandage. Some surgeons do not use any dressings.

After your surgery
A forehead lift is possible in men, but may require special planning to hide the scars. This involves an individual discussion between the physician and the patient.

You may experience some numbness and temporary discomfort around the incision, which can be controlled with medication prescribed by your surgeon. If you have a tendency toward headaches, your doctor may prescribe an additional longer-acting local anesthetic during surgery as a preventive measure. Your doctor may tell you to keep your head elevated for two to three days following surgery to keep the swelling down. Some swelling is inevitable, even around your eyes or cheeks. Bruising and swelling should begin to disappear in a week or so.

Numbness on the top of your scalp may be replaced by itching as nerves heal. These sensations may take up to six months to fully disappear. Bandages, if used, will be removed a day or two after surgery. Most stitches or clips will be removed in 10 to 14 days, or perhaps in two stages.

Some of your hair around the incision may fall out and may temporarily be a bit thinner. Normal growth will usually resume within a few weeks or months. Permanent hair loss is rare.

Getting back to normal
While you should be up and about in a day or two, plan on taking it easy for at least the first week after surgery. You should be able to shower and shampoo your hair one or two days after surgery or as soon as the bandages are removed.

Most patients are back to work or school in a week to ten days. Vigorous physical activity should be limited for several weeks, including jogging, bending, heavy house- work, sexual relations, or any activity that increases your blood pressure. Prolonged exposure to heat or sun should be limited for several months.

You can face the world again as soon as you're comfortable going out. Most visible signs of surgery should fade completely within two to three weeks. Minor swelling and bruising can be covered almost immediately by special camouflage makeup. (Ask your surgeon for more information on applying makeup following surgery, including the ASPRS brochure, Camouflage Cosmetics.) It's not unusual to feel tired and let down at first, but that will pass as you begin to look and feel better.

Your new look
Most patients are pleased with the results of a forehead lift. Often, patients don't realize how much their sagging forehead contributed to the signs of aging until they see how much younger and more rested they appear after the lift.

While a forehead lift, like a facelift or any other surgery to minimize the effects of aging, does not stop the clock, it can minimize the appearance of aging for years. As time passes, you may want to repeat the procedure. But even if you don't, you'll always look better than if you never had a forehead lift at all. To schedule your consultation, click here or call (800)505-3627.